RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — UNC Health announced a new long-term agreement with UnitedHealthcare.
The multi-year agreement will allow UnitedHealthcare members in the state to continue receiving continuity of care from UNC Health providers, clinics and hospitals, the health system said.
The current contract was scheduled to expire on April 1st. Without a deal, thousands of patients could suddenly be left without a network of health care providers and forced to pay out-of-pocket costs or find a new provider. .
The new agreement covers all of United's commercial plans, personal exchange plans, and Medicare Advantage plans.
“This new agreement will benefit patients as well as health care providers across the state,” said Dr. Matt Ewendo, chief clinical officer at UNC Health. “Our patients will not face increased costs or stress from going out of network or finding a new provider. We will improve access, reduce costs, and improve care. We look forward to working with United Airlines over the next few years to remove obstacles.”
UNC Health said it will contact affected patients as soon as possible to ensure they are aware of the new agreement with United Airlines and that their care with UNC Health providers will not change.
Negotiations between the two organizations began last year.
The new agreement with UnitedHealthcare follows UNC Health's recent announcement of a long-term agreement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.
